Bouquet jewel

ABSTRACT

A bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers so as to compliment different flower combinations. The bouquet jewel may have a specific color, dimension, and quality that provides optimal light and texture to popular flower combinations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/696,089 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicants, to whichpriority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to floristry, and more specifically, toa bouquet jewel dimensioned to be mounted onto a post that isdimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flowers may be used for any occasion. They are chosen for their sizes,their colors, and for their scents. Flowers are also chosen to standsingly, in an arrangement, or in a bouquet.

Jewels have also been used for many purposes. Not only may they be wornas jewelry, but they are also used in decorating. Jewels are especiallyattractive because of the alluring sparkle created by the jewels'refraction and reflection of light.

For weddings, a bride will typically choose a certain color scheme forthe bridesmaids/groomsmen attire and for her wedding décor. Usually, thebridesmaids will each hold a floral bouquet that is also consistent withand accentuates the color of their dresses. The bridal bouquet may alsocontain colored flowers, however, many brides insist upon a traditionalwhite bouquet.

On occasion, some people add accessories to the bouquet, such asfeathers or faux butterflies. These accessories, however, may be solarge as to inadvertently detract from the natural beauty of the flowersthemselves. Furthermore, the colors of the accessories may overwhelm orclash, rather than complement, the particular shades of the flowers.

Therefore, a need existed for a bouquet jewel dimensioned to be coupledto a post that is dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowersso as to compliment a flower combination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bouquet jeweldimensioned to be coupled to a post that is dimensioned to be insertedinto a bouquet of flowers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bouquetjewel having a specific color, dimension, and quality that allows forideal placement within a bouquet so as to provide optimal light andtexture to the most popular flower combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bouquetjewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having a bouquetinsertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet of flowers andhaving a display end dimensioned to be proximate the flowers, at leastone setting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to thepost proximate the display end, and a plurality of jewels dimensioned tobe secured into the at least one setting.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, abouquet jewel is disclosed. The bouquet jewel comprises a post having abouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted into a bouquet offlowers and having a display end dimensioned to be proximate theflowers, and at least one jewel defining a bore therethrough anddimensioned to be slidably coupled in a substantially perpendicularorientation about the post proximate the display end.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following, more particular,description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bouquet jewelof the present invention wherein the setting has the configuration of across.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting hasthe configuration of a butterfly.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the bouquet jewel of thepresent invention. The bouquet jewel is shown as having a glass pearlbead coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the post.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting has acluster configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of bouquet jewels shown in use with abouquet of flowers.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting hasthe configuration of a bow.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bouquet jewel wherein the setting hasthe configuration of a monogram letter “B.”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood byreference to the following detailed description of illustratedembodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.

Flowers, especially when used in wedding decor, are chosen for theirdistinct colors. Jewels are desired because of their attractive sparkle.In combining the two, the inventor has developed a bouquet jewel. Theinventor has discovered that the type of jewel used, its color, and itsplacement are crucial to creating the perfect floral bouquet. Afterextensive research, the inventor has determined which bouquet jewelscomplement the most popular flowers and wedding colors.

The inventor has discovered that the most beautiful jewels to use areSwarovski Austrian crystal beads and glass pearl beads. However, itshould be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derivedfrom the use of other gems and stones. The inventor has also found thatthe bouquet jewels, referred to hereinafter as bouquet jewel 10 shouldhave a post 14 (see FIGS. 1-5) that is approximately 4-6 inches long andapproximately 2-3 mm in diameter. It should be clearly understood,however, that substantial benefit may be derived from a post 14 withalternative dimensions, so long as the bouquet jewels 10 may be properlyset among the flowers 22 (see FIG. 5). A bouquet insertion end 16 (seeFIGS. 1-4) of the post 14 is inserted into the bouquet 20 (see FIG. 5)of flowers 22 in order to give the illusion that the jewels 12 (seeFIGS. 1-4 and 6-7) are floating among the flowers 22 (see FIG. 5). Andalthough the preferred embodiment discloses a post 14 that is either agold or silver base metal, depending upon the colors of the flowers 22in the bouquet 20, it should be understood that substantial benefit mayalso be obtained from using other metals.

The inventor has also discovered that the most ideal position of thejewels 12 is to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientationwith respect to their posts 14. Such simple positioning prevents thebouquet jewels 10 from overwhelming and detracting from the naturalbeauty of the flowers 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, a first embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. A setting 24 is coupled in a substantiallyperpendicular orientation to the post 14 proximate the display end 18(see FIGS. 1-5). Preferably, the setting 24 is soldered to the post 14.However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit couldbe derived from an alternative configuration in which the setting 24 iscoupled to the post 14 in some way other than by soldering, such as byglue or some other coupling mechanism so long as the setting 24 issecurely coupled to the post 14.

The setting 24 may have the configuration of a cross (see FIG. 1),however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may beobtained from the setting 24 having the configuration of any religioussymbol. The setting 24 is also shown as having a configuration of abutterfly (see FIG. 2), however it should be clearly understood thatsubstantial benefit may be obtained from the setting 24 having theconfiguration of any animal. FIG. 4 shows the setting 24 as having aspherical cluster configuration, however it should be clearly understoodthat substantial benefit may derived from the setting 24 having analternatively shaped cluster configuration. FIG. 7 shows the setting 24as having the configuration of a bow, however it should be clearlyunderstood that substantial benefit may be derived from the setting 24having the configuration of a ribbon. The setting 24 is also shown ashaving the configuration of a monogram letter “B” (see FIG. 7). However,it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derivedfrom the setting 24 having the configuration of any letter of thealphabet as well as any number.

A plurality of jewels 12, preferably Swarovski Austrian crystal beads 28(see FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7), are secured into the setting 24 and aredimensioned to be coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientationto the display end 18 of the post 14. The Swarovski Austrian crystalbeads 28 may appear in a variety of shapes including, but not limitedto, rhinestones (see FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7) or multi-faceted spheres (seeFIG. 4). It should also be understood that a stone other than theSwarovski Austrian crystal bead 28 may be used without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present invention isdisclosed. A jewel 12 defining a bore therethrough is shown to beslidably coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation around thedisplay end 18 of the post 14. The jewel 12 is preferably a 12 mmdiameter glass pearl bead 26. While it is preferred that the jewel 12 bea 12 mm diameter glass pearl bead 26, it should be clearly understoodthat substantial benefit could be derived from an alternativeconfiguration of this embodiment: 1) in which jewels 12 are used thatdeviate, even substantially, from the preferred diameter; 2) in whichjewels 12 other than glass pearl beads 26 are used; and/or 3) in whichthe jewels 12 are coupled to the post 14 in an alternative manner, solong as the jewels 12 are securely held in place.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

1. A bouquet jewel comprising, in combination: a post having a bouquetinsertion end and a display end, said bouquet insertion end dimensionedto be inserted into a bouquet of flowers while at the same time saiddisplay end being dimensioned to be proximate said flowers; at least onesetting coupled in a substantially perpendicular orientation to saidpost proximate said display end; and a plurality of jewels dimensionedto be secured into said at least one setting.
 2. The bouquet jewel ofclaim 1 wherein said post being comprised of metal.
 3. The bouquet jewelof claim 2 wherein said post being gold plated.
 4. The bouquet jewel ofclaim 2 wherein said post being silver plated.
 5. The bouquet jewel ofclaim 1 wherein said post having a diameter of between approximately 2-3millimeters.
 6. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said post having alength of between approximately 4-6 inches.
 7. The bouquet jewel ofclaim 1 wherein said plurality of jewels comprise a plurality ofSwarovski Austrian crystal beads.
 8. The bouquet jewel of claim 1wherein said plurality of jewels comprise a plurality of rhinestones. 9.The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein a bottom portion of said at leastone setting being soldered to said post proximate said display end. 10.The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at least one setting having aconfiguration of at least one alphabet letter.
 11. The bouquet jewel ofclaim 10 wherein said at least one alphabet letter being a monogram. 12.The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at least one setting havingthe configuration of a bow.
 13. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one setting having the configuration of a religioussymbol.
 14. The bouquet jewel of claim 13 wherein said religious symbolbeing a cross.
 15. The bouquet jewel of claim 1 wherein said at leastone setting having the configuration of an animal.
 16. The bouquet jewelof claim 15 wherein said animal being a butterfly.
 17. A bouquet jewelcomprising, in combination: a post having a bouquet insertion end and adisplay end, said bouquet insertion end dimensioned to be inserted intoa bouquet of flowers while at the same time said display end beingdimensioned to be proximate said flowers; and at least one jeweldefining a bore therethrough and dimensioned to be slidably coupled in asubstantially perpendicular orientation around said post proximate saiddisplay end.
 18. The bouquet jewel of claim 17 wherein said jewel beinga glass pearl bead.
 19. The bouquet jewel of claim 18 wherein said glasspearl bead having a diameter of approximately 12 millimeters.
 20. Thebouquet jewel of claim 17 wherein said post having a length of betweenapproximately 4-6 inches and a diameter of between approximately 2-3millimeters.